Former India cricketer and ex-chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has made a strong case for Rohit Sharma’s inclusion in the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, urging the BCCI’s selection committee to lock in the veteran opener right away. His remarks come after Rohit’s impressive performances in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against Australia.
Also read- Shreyas Iyer admitted in ICU, suffers internal bleeding, after rib injury
Rohit's form shuts out doubts
Following his replacement as India's ODI skipper by Shubman Gill in the earlier part of this year, there were doubts regarding Rohit's future in the 50-over game. But the 38-year-old proved his doubters wrong in style by being India's highest scorer in both the second and the third ODIs. He scored a gritty knock of 73 in the second match and then a sublime unbeaten 121 in the last game, which helped India win by nine wickets. His consistency was rewarded with the Player of the Series trophy.
Srikkanth appreciated Rohit's resurgence and termed him "a certainty for the 2027 World Cup." Speaking to a YouTube channel, Srikkanth said, "We can't play without him and Virat Kohli. Rohit Sharma has lost 11 kgs and looks super fit. It was the old Rohit Sharma, with the touch game. He was batting with such ease and playing the ball so late."
Also read- Rohit Sharma slams 33rd ODI century against Australia
'Age should not be a factor'
Srikkanth also brushed aside fear over Rohit's age, stressing that fitness and performance alone should be the selection criteria. He said, “Don't bring up this whole age issue that he (Rohit) is touching 40. He's fit, batting well and catching brilliantly at slips. What else do you need? He's playing with such ease like he did in the 2019 World Cup. The only thing is he didn't get to the seventh or eighth gear and kept going at third and fourth gear.”
The veteran selector called for the Ajit Agarkar-headed BCCI selection committee to book both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's spots for the next 2027 World Cup. The two put on a record-breaking, unbeaten 168-run stand in the third ODI versus Australia recently, demonstrating their long-standing class and understanding at the crease.
Srikkanth further said, "If I was the chairman of the selection committee, today itself I will go to them and say, 'Just be fit for the 2027 World Cup and win us the trophy.”
